A new review by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (HealthInfoNet) has found that the lung health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children requires a greater focus. The review found that best-practice medicine is essential to reduce the burden of respiratory illness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
HealthInfoNet Director, Professor Neil Drew, said “the review states that respiratory illnesses in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are serious and can progress to chronic lung disease.”
The review goes on to highlight the importance of improving socioeconomic factors, reducing harmful exposures to infections and toxins, and addressing access to culturally acceptable health care and illness prevention programs.
The review also highlights that significant change will only occur once the broader determinants of respiratory health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are adequately addressed.